Ibuki Class Cruiser - Ships

Ships

The two Ibuki-class cruisers were ordered in November 1941 as part of the IJN's Rapid Naval Armaments Supplement Programme (マル急計画, 出師準備第一着作業建艦計画 Maru Kyū Keikaku, Suishi-Junbi Dai-Ichi Chakusagyō Kenkan Keikaku?). Both ships were laid down without names, just as Warships No. 300 and No. 301, but the former was named Ibuki on 5 April 1943.

Ibuki-class heavy cruisers
Builder Laid down Launched Notes Fate
Ibuki Kure Naval Arsenal, Kure 24 April 1942 21 May 1943 Converted to a light aircraft carrier, December 1943 Scrapped, 22 September 1946
No. 301 Mitsubishi Shipyard, Nagasaki 1 June 1942 Scrapped, 30 June 1942

No. 301 was ordered scrapped less than a month after she was laid down in order to clear her slipway for the carrier Amagi which was laid down on 1 October 1942. After her launch, the construction of Ibuki was suspended in July 1943 while her fate was discussed. A possible conversion to a fast oiler was considered until the Navy decided on 25 August to convert her to a light aircraft carrier at Sasebo Naval Arsenal. Work on the conversion did not begin until the incomplete hull was towed to Sasebo on 21 December. It was originally intended to complete her in March 1945, but this was extended until August. Construction was suspended on 16 March, when the ship was about 80% complete, to allow for the construction of small submarines. Ibuki was scrapped at Sasebo from 22 November 1946 to 1 August 1947.

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